Australia was supposed to be the host of several international sports events. However, schedules changed after the coronavirus outbreak. Also, the country was trying to get approval to host several sporting events in the future.
Before the coronavirus stopped international flights, Basketball Australia chief executive Jerril Rechter was supposed to fly to Switzerland to meet the FIBA board. He was going to pitch Australia as the potential host for the 2022 Women’s Basketball World Cup.
However, the coronavirus outbreak happened that made countries restrict air travel. As a result, Rechter presented her proposal via video-conferencing. Also, it was FIBA’s first-ever online board meeting.
International Sports Events in Time of COVID-19
FIBA awarded Australia the right to host the 2022 Women’s Basketball World Cup. However, it didn’t make internet gaming Korea headline news. The topic generated little buzz online as the world focused on the ongoing pandemic.
Based on sports betting odds reports, Basketball Australia is not the only sporting body to host an international event in the country. The ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup will start in October in seven cities in Australia.
Cycling Australia will host the UCI Road World Championships in 2022. Also, the Football Federation Australia wants to co-host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 with New Zealand. According to sports wagering sources, FIFA will announce its decision in June.
However, the coronavirus is threatening future sporting events across the planet. In Australia, the government funds significant international activities. However, the country’s finances are not going to be good months after the end of the pandemic.
Also, companies might not be willing to sponsor sports events in the future because they are taking a hit at present. The same goes for broadcasting companies. It is challenging to compare profit models pre-coronavirus and post-coronavirus.
The UCI Road Cycling event will cost around $20 million. Most of the budget will come from the New South Wales government. Although Cycling Australia is confident of its funds from the government, it can’t say the same thing with corporate sponsors.